The Port Authority of Valencia (PAV) has purchased a hydrogen fuel cell reachstacker from Hyster, a container handling equipment manufacturer.

The reachstacker is a component of the H2Ports project, which seeks to integrate hydrogen-powered vehicles and equipment into port operations.

The Hyster reachstacker is a zero-emission device that converts hydrogen into power using a Nuvera fuel cell.

According top Hyster, the hydrogen is held in high-pressure tanks on board and can be recharged in 10-15 minutes. The on-board hydrogen fuel cell charges the batteries, which power the electric motors and hydraulic systems, allowing the reachstacker to lift heavy containers as efficiently as a diesel version.

Thanks to its Nuvera Fuel Cell Engine, the reachstacker offers several advantages over its conventional diesel-powered machines.

It reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, noise pollution and operating costs thanks to the elimination of the diesel engine, transmission and other mechanically-driven components.

The Hyster reachstacker will be tested and validated in real-world conditions at the MSC Port in Valencia.

Jan-Willem van den Brand, Director Global Market Development at Hyster, said: “We are proud to be part of the H2Ports project and to contribute to the development of zero-emission solutions for port operations.

“The hydrogen fuel cell reachstacker is a breakthrough innovation that demonstrates our commitment to sustainability and customer satisfaction. We look forward to seeing it in action at the Port of Valencia and to receiving valuable feedback from the end-users.”

In June 2023, PAV outlined the success of the H2Ports programme, which has three hydrogen projects ongoing, to members of the Clean Hydrogen Alliance.